What is an initial intake? Do I need a lawyer for a conference?
An initial intake is held with the minor and his or her family in order to determine both the youth’s level of accountability in the action and to determine if diversion from the juvenile court process would be appropriate. You would meet with a Juvenile Probation Officer for approximately one hour. Questions are asked concerning the minor and his/her familys home situation, school, peers and if appropriate, drug and alcohol usage. After gathering the pertinent information, the Officer may recommend a Probation Adjustment and may make referrals to agencies such as Family and Individual Counseling, Drug and Alcohol Counseling and Advocacy. If an informal adjustment is not appropriate the Intake Officer will recommend that a delinquent petition be filed in Juvenile Court. The decision to retain a lawyer for the initial intake is solely at the discretion of the parents and the youth.
